Biogeochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of living things and their environment. It encompasses all aspects of the chemistry of life, from the smallest molecule to the largest ecosystem.
The field of biogeochemistry emerged in the early 20th century as a result of the work of pioneering scientists such as Vladimir Vernadsky and Alexander Oparin. They realized that there was a need for a new discipline that could encompass both biology and chemistry, and that would be able to address questions about the relationship between life and its environment.
Since then, biogeochemical research has made tremendous progress, thanks to advances in analytical techniques and our ever-increasing understanding of how living systems work. Today, biogeochemists are at the forefront of research on topics such as global climate change, environmental pollution, and the sustainability of natural resources.
Biogeochemistry is a truly interdisciplinary field, drawing on concepts and methods from many different disciplines including biology, ecology, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography, soil science, and engineering. This diversity is one of its strengths, as it allows us to approach problems from many different perspectives.